The Moth Radio Hour: Oh, Brother Release Date: July 8, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Moth Radio Hour titled "Oh, Brother," host Brian Kennedy delves into the complex and heartfelt relationships between siblings, specifically focusing on brothers. Through a series of poignant and humorous stories, listeners are invited to explore the bonds, challenges, and enduring connections that shape these familial relationships.
1. Brian Kennedy: Growing Up with an Older Brother (Timestamp: 00:58 - 08:00)
Brian Kennedy opens the hour by sharing his personal experiences of growing up with an older brother who was both a source of chaos and inspiration. He reminisces about the vibrant household filled with rock and roll, band practices, and parties. One notable incident at [02:15] recounts his brother, at age 13, crashing the family station wagon, which set high standards for trouble and adventure. This dynamic made Brian and his sister navigate adolescence under the shadow of their older brother's antics.
Notable Quote:
"He was the classic partying older brother, involved in all sorts of mischief, thereby making my transgressions seem mild." – Brian Kennedy
2. Nicole Schnitzler: Coming Out to a Tough Brother (Timestamp: 08:00 - 15:14)
Nicole Schnitzler narrates her emotional journey of coming out as gay to her older brother. Growing up, Nicole and her brother were often mistaken for twins due to their matching outfits, a confusion that faded as they developed distinct personalities. Nicole describes the anxiety and fear of revealing her true self to a brother she viewed as "gruff" and "manly."
During her brother's visit to New York, Nicole orchestrates a moment to introduce her boyfriend by misleading their brothers into thinking they were heading to Brooklyn, only to arrive at her boyfriend's Manhattan apartment. This act of bravery leads to a heartfelt revelation where Nicole finally comes out to her brother, resulting in a strengthened bond and mutual understanding.
Notable Quote:
"Once I stopped hiding myself and putting up that wall, we had so much more to talk about and it was great." – Nicole Schnitzler [07:58]
3. Daniel: Navigating Caregivers and COVID-19 (Timestamp: 09:01 - 15:56)
In her story, Nicole Schnitzler discusses the challenges of caring for her autistic brother, Daniel, during the COVID-19 pandemic. With shelter-in-place orders disrupting routine, Nicole and her father relocate to support Daniel, who thrives on consistency and his Sunday trips to Jewel's jewelry store.
Faced with canceling familiar activities, Nicole innovates by introducing Instacart grocery deliveries to maintain some sense of normalcy for Daniel. This creative solution helps manage his anxiety and maintain his mental health during uncertain times.
Notable Quote:
"Daniel relishes the Sunday trips we take to Jewel. An hour, he can fill our cart with Kraft Parmesan cheese, Hershey's syrup, and all of his other creature comforts." – Nicole Schnitzler [10:45]
4. Bill Burnett: Overcoming Addiction with Brotherly Support (Timestamp: 15:56 - 26:02)
Bill Burnett shares his tumultuous journey through addiction and the pivotal role his brother Tony played in his recovery. After eight years of drug addiction left him with nothing, Tony offered him a place to stay in Flagstaff, Arizona. Bill recounts the humbling experience of taking low-level jobs and the bonding activities, such as playing video games, that helped him regain stability.
Bill emphasizes the deepened relationship that blossomed once he became sober, highlighting how rooting for the same football team became a tribute to his brother's support.
Notable Quote:
"But I smile because I know it's because he saved my ass. And when I root for them, I'm rooting for him." – Bill Burnett [25:30]
5. Catherine Wu: Embracing Chosen Family at Her Wedding (Timestamp: 26:02 - 34:15)
Catherine Wu narrates her pre-wedding anxiety about her estranged half-siblings, particularly her older brother Alex. Determined to bridge the gap, she reaches out to Alex, leading to a long-overdue conversation that rekindles their relationship. However, as the wedding approaches, uncertainty looms as Alex remains unable to attend.
In a moment of realization, Catherine chooses to cherish her present chosen family over the absence of her biological brother, finding warmth and support among the friends who have gathered for her special day.
Notable Quote:
"But sitting there in this group of the nine people I love most in the world, it's not so hard anymore to feel lucky for the family that I already have." – Catherine Wu [32:49]
6. Lynn Chamberlain Adams: Sweet Revenge and Reconciliation (Timestamp: 36:10 - 44:17)
Lynn Chamberlain Adams recounts a teenage revenge plot against her older brother, Kent, inspired by the horror movie The Exorcist. As a young girl, tired of her brother tormenting her, Lynn devises a plan to scare him by writing "help me" under her nightgown using her condition, dermatographia, which allows her to create temporary welts.
This act served as a turning point, leading to a lasting peace and mutual support between the siblings. In a heartfelt exchange, Lynn reflects on their strengthened bond and shared camaraderie.
Notable Quote:
"You know, that's because he saved my ass. And when I root for them, I'm rooting for him." – Lynn Chamberlain Adams [43:35]
7. OM Chowdhury: The Clownish Bond Between Brothers (Timestamp: 44:28 - 51:30)
Om Chowdhury shares a touching story about the bond between him and his younger brother Raj. Following the sudden loss of their father when Om was 11 and Raj was 5, Om uses humor and creativity—crafting clown hats—to comfort his brother during their grief. This act of levity becomes a symbol of their enduring support for each other.
Years later, after experiencing personal tragedies, Om reaches out to Raj, who travels halfway across the globe to be by his side. Their shared clownish bond exemplifies the resilience and unwavering support that defines their relationship.
Notable Quote:
"It's our way of saying to each other, like, hey, the world hasn't ended yet, and it's not going to end because I'm always going to have your back." – OM Chowdhury [50:00]
Conclusion
The Moth Radio Hour: Oh, Brother weaves together diverse narratives that highlight the multifaceted relationships between brothers. From moments of turmoil and reconciliation to acts of bravery and unwavering support, these stories celebrate the profound impact brothers have on each other's lives. Through laughter, tears, and shared experiences, the episode underscores the enduring bonds that define sibling relationships.
Additional Resources
For more stories from this episode and to see photos of the storytellers, visit themoth.org. If you have your own brotherly story to share, consider pitching it to The Moth through their website.